Reviews the structure and function of the federal government, as seen through the eyes of a high-school senior. Explains the nature and functions of each of the three main branches and the system of checks and balances.


This movie is part of the collection: Prelinger Archives

Production Company: Young America Films / McGraw-Hill
Audio/Visual: sound, b&w
Keywords:

Creative Commons license: Public Domain

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Reviewer: uniQ - - April 21, 2011
Subject: Standard explanation of the federal government
This explanatory film starts out with the "Young America Films" titlecard, which is slightly scary since it looks like something from Clifton L. Gainus! The eagle also looks slightly smug.

A little dated in parts, most especially when the apportionment of Representatives is shown. Arizona has EIGHT now. Interestingly, territorial seats are mentioned too.

Some of the scenes are interesting for other reasons, such as the pictures of someone peeling new money off the printing plates and the single protestor infront of the white house (no one appears to care!). Also, the place appears to be deserted, especially the monuments.

Reviewer: GE_Pretzel - - April 2, 2006
Subject: A useful introduction
This film offers a concise overview of the three main branches of the federal government of the United States. The specific functions of each branch are explained, along with a review of the system of checks and balances. It would have been helpful if there were more details provided about the various cabinet positions in the executive branch, but there is still enough information imparted to give the viewer a good general knowledge of how the federal government operates.

Reviewer: Spuzz - - May 28, 2005
Subject: So THAT'S what it looks like!
Rather simplistic film that teaches us about the levels of Federal Government by a chap with a rather thick eastern accent, and his Grandfather, a congressman who strangely enough, doesnt have an accent, but is blessed with an announcer-type voice. Since the boy is writing about government for his civics class, he goes to Washington, where he learns about the gummint from his Granddad. From here, basic models and some stock footage is used to help explain this. It's a pretty broad description, but the film goes by rather smoothly because of it actually. Highlight is at the end of the film when they go to the Washington Monument, and they see it up close, which is almost a first for me, all the other films I've seen usually have it on a distant profile.